Veto sustained on Mo. international law bill

Thu, 12 Sep 2013 16:50:06 GMT —

The Missouri Legislature has upheld the veto of Gov. Jay Nixon on legislation dealing with international law.

The legislation sought to void any court, arbitration, tribunal or administrative agency decisions that are based on a foreign law and "repugnant" or "inconsistent" with the state and U.S. constitutions. It also says Missouri will protect residents from application of foreign laws when it would violate a constitutional right.

Senators voted 23-10 on Wednesday to override. The House supported the override 108-53, but that is one vote short of the needed two-thirds majority.

Nixon says the measure would cast doubt about various legal documents and cause a possible "chilling effect" for overseas adoptions.

Supporters say the legislation protects Missourians' liberties and prevents the encroachment of foreign laws that violate the constitution.